#Japan #Tokyo #ART FAIR TOKYO #FILMS #non-syntax

A New Dimension in Art: "FILMS" at ART FAIR TOKYO 20

As part of the ART FAIR TOKYO 20, a significant art event in Japan, a new cinematic program titled "FILMS" will take place, aiming to enhance the ecosystem of visual expression. This initiative addresses the need for greater representation of video artworks and artists within the contemporary art scene.

The Challenge and Opportunity
For many years, the ART FAIR TOKYO, orchestrated by aTOKYO Corporation, has focused on providing a reliable platform for the sale of art, enhancing the relationship between galleries and collectors. However, there has been a noticeable imbalance in the representation of various art forms, particularly video art. Despite its international recognition as a legitimate and potent medium, video art has been underserved in Japan's art fairs, often due to a lack of guidelines and frameworks that address its unique characteristics.

Recognizing this, aTOKYO established the FILMS section starting from 2025 to incorporate video art into the fair. However, the focus extended beyond merely displaying artworks. The program is designed to provoke discussions, educate audiences, and explore the context surrounding video art and its role in the marketplace.

Three Layers of Engagement
The FILMS program will create a structured approach to engaging with video art through three layers: Viewing, Learning, and Buying. This multifaceted strategy will allow visitors to not only appreciate the artworks but also gain insights into their significance in both cultural and market contexts.

With the collaboration of Mitsui Fudosan, the FILMS will showcase approximately ten artists' video works at the Tokyo Midtown Hibiya venue from March 12 to 15, 2026. In addition to the exhibitions, the program will feature a talk series, emphasizing the educational aspect of the initiative. These discussions will further enhance the audience's understanding of video art and its implications, fostering a more informed and engaged community of collectors and enthusiasts.

Building Connections Through Interviews
The official website for the FILMS program will also host interviews with pivotal figures in the realm of visual expression, including directors from Image Forum, curators from e-flux, and programmers from Asian Film Archive. These insights will shed light on the broader context of video artworks, their collections, and how they are archived and appreciated.

Comments from the Program Director
Gold Autumn Rain, the co-founder of non-syntax and the program director, emphasizes the fluid nature of video art, which refuses to be confined to a static 'object.' It continually evolves through presentations, creating an ever-shifting landscape of meaning. The upcoming program will question how video works can be best experienced, remembered, and passed on to future generations in the context of the art market. This inquiry reflects a historical shift, aiming to embrace the ambiguities of video art and construct new narratives for its cultural significance.

CEO Insights
Kiyoshi Kitajima, the CEO of aTOKYO, also acknowledged the underrepresentation of video art in Japanese art fairs. He points out its unique attributes—high information density, portability, and the ability to encapsulate time and space—which resonate with the contemporary art scene. As part of his vision, he asserts that collecting video art allows one to engage with art as a form of melting intellect, fostering a deeper connection with artists' philosophies and expressions.

Event Overview

• - Date: March 12-15, 2026
• - Time: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• - Venue: Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, 9th Floor, ROOM 6
• - Collaborators: Mitsui Fudosan
• - Sponsorship: Arts Council Tokyo

The FILMS program aims to redefine the position of video expression in Japanese art fairs, creating a platform for dialogue and appreciation that has long been overdue. Through exhibitions, discussions, and critical engagement, it seeks to cultivate a richer understanding of art in motion.